FTC’s Student Government Association (SGA) is back with a big role on campus

By Grace Bonamico

Five Towns College is bringing back the Student Government Association (SGA) to plan events, support the college’s reaccreditation, and give students a voice on campus. The semester’s first SGA meeting was held on Thurs. October 1st to gauge student interest and fill officer positions, including President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Social Media Chair.

Director of Student Activities Lindsey Meakem oversaw the meeting and highlighted the student benefits of participating in SGA:

“Students should be involved because it broadens what they’re learning in college. Getting involved on campus develops social skills and professionalism, in addition to academic learning. It’s also a great way to network with your peers and establish some great relationships to carry with you.”

Whether you’re interested in joining or just wondering what SGA will mean for campus life, here are five things students should know about its return.

1. Giving Students a Voice on Campus

Have an idea for something you’d like to see change at FTC? That’s part of what SGA is for. The organization will connect students with the college’s administration, faculty, and staff, ensuring student opinions and concerns are heard. SGA members can also pursue initiatives based on what students want to see happen around campus.

2. More Opportunities for Campus Events

One of SGA’s biggest responsibilities will be helping plan and organize events throughout the school year and will take over that role from the college’s former CAB (Campus Activity Board). Working alongside the Office of Campus Events, members can suggest activities, help coordinate existing events, and get involved in planning events students want to attend. If you’ve ever wished more things were happening on campus, SGA could help make that happen.

3. There Are Several Leadership Positions Available

For students looking to get more involved, SGA has five main Executive Board positions, each with different responsibilities. The President leads meetings and oversees committees, while the Vice President helps coordinate events and steps in when the President is unavailable. The Secretary will keep meeting records and attendance, the Treasurer will track expenses, and the Social Media Chair will handle promotion through social media, flyers, and other materials. Each position offers a different way to participate, depending on your interests.

4. Students Will Have a Role in Reaccreditation

SGA won’t be involved only in campus events. Two students will also serve as Middle States Committee Members and participate in the college’s reaccreditation process. These representatives will attend meetings with FTC’s senior leadership and speak with Middle States representatives about their experiences as students. It’s an opportunity for students to share their perspectives directly with those involved in evaluating the college.

5. How to Get Involved

Interested in joining? Students must be in good standing with the college, meaning they need at least a 2.0 GPA and cannot be on academic or disciplinary probation. First-semester students are exempt from the GPA requirement since they don’t have a cumulative GPA yet.

Meakem is currently working on setting up weekly meetings for students who filled out the Executive Board Position Interest Form at the initial meeting. Those who missed the meeting but are still interested in an SGA position can email her at lindsey.meakem@ftc.edu or stop by the Office of Residence Life in Room 106B.